progress

Postgraduate Study Guide 2007

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 Focus ...

Our pioneering and innovative research work is recognised internationally and

makes a direct and relevant contribution to the world today. The focus of many
of our student research projects is on improving the quality of life for all
members of our global community, bringing new understanding to the way in
which we tackle social, economic and environmental challenges.

Kudos ...

Awards from Staffordshire University are highly prized and carry status well
beyond the realms of academia and into the competitive world of commerce.
Our well established links with industry enable us to shape our courses and
research to anticipate future demand in this sector.

Choice ...

Choice and flexibility lie at the heart of our course structures, with a friendly
and supportive teaching style which encourages openness and exploration.
What’s more, we offer some of the best facilities to support your learning,
study and research.

Freedom ...
We firmly believe that
Everyone lives increasingly diverse lives and we are committed to providing an
continuing education academic environment which respects and responds to your need to study at
should be made as your own pace, in your own time. Our focus is to add value to the university
experience and to tailor your study comfortably to your individual lifestyle and
accessible as possible to personal commitments.
the greatest number of
Aspire ...
people. Having a degree
is not the only route into We firmly believe that continuing education should be made as accessible as
possible to the greatest number of people. Having a degree is not the only
postgraduate study. route into postgraduate study. Our taught courses, for instance, take account
of relevant work experience and qualifications gained through other recognised
professional institutions.

Our courses are designed for career enhancement, updating professional skills
and academic interest/progression. So reach for the skies - fulfill your aspirations.
You will find support and advice readily available every step of the way.

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what’s inside

hello 3 funding your study

Cost of study 18
Facilities at Staffordshire University 5 Payment by instalments 18
Access to learning funds 18
Postgraduate bursaries 19
taught courses Sponsorship 19
Alumni 19
Academic 6 Career Development Loans 19
Conversion 6 Fee Remission 19
Professional/vocational 6 Sources of financial support 19
Part-time employment 19
research Working with The WorkBank 19

Choice of subjects 7
Research degrees 7
international students
Enrolment 8
Support 21
Training and induction 8
English Language Centre 21
Supervision 9
Fees and funding 21
How to apply 9
PhD by published work 9
Attendance 9 how to apply
Off-campus research degrees 9
Fees 10 When to apply 23
Research culture 10 Postgraduate awards 23
Research degrees 23
resources and support Disabled students 23
Where to apply 25
Information Services 11 Regulations 25
Accommodation 13 Fees 25
The Students’ Union 13 Higher Education Shop 25
Student Advice Centre 14 Open Days/Evenings 25
Counselling Service 14
Our childcare service 14 course directory
Multi-faith Chaplaincy 14
Careers 14 Arts, Media and Design 28
Students with disabilities 15 Business 40
Computing, Engineering and Technology 56
Health 74
living in Staffordshire
Law 96
Sciences 102
Stoke-on-Trent 17
Stafford 17
Course index 116
Lichfield 17

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hello
Welcome to our guide to Staffordshire University’s excellent range of
postgraduate taught courses and research opportunities. This brochure
aims to give you a taste of what we can offer you at postgraduate level,
with a listing of the courses and programmes of research available and
contact details for more information.

In addition, the guide addresses the research and scholarship culture at

Staffordshire University, which includes commitments to ground-breaking
research across subject areas.

For UK students, our postgraduate awards are usually available on both a

full-time and a part-time basis. International students make up a sizeable
body of our postgraduate students, all of them studying full-time and some
of them studying one of our innovative off-campus degree programmes.

Our taught and research courses which form the basis of this guide, are
geared to the professional and intellectual development needs of our
students.

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 define
your
6
future
 Facilities at Staffordshire University are excellent:

• well-stocked libraries
• research laboratories
• access to the very best IT equipment
You will be well supported in your studies and research. Individual Faculties
will provide you with details of their programmes and institutes, together with
national and international contacts.

With your studies to concentrate on, we know that you need support and
comforts in other areas. So, we have invested in our accommodation facilities,
restaurants, sports and recreation equipment and support staff. You may be
working hard, but we want you to have a good time too.

Staffordshire University has an enviable reputation for its friendliness. We’ve

got a lot to smile about; we have a great range of courses and in all of our most
recent Research Assessment Exercise achieved credible results improving our
grades overall.

What’s more, if you already study at Staffordshire University, or are one of our
graduates, you could receive 15% off course fees.

Up-to-date information about our postgraduate taught courses and research

developments can be found on our website: www.staffs.ac.uk

Research at Staffordshire University follows two streams: Professional

Development and the Research Institutes.

There are currently five Research Institutes within Staffordshire University, which
link researchers and specialists together in dedicated centres:

• Institute for Health Research

• Institute for Environment and Sustainability Research
• Advanced Research Institute
• Informatics and Technology Research Institute
• Institute for Education Policy Research

We look forward to welcoming you to Staffordshire University – be it at

an Open Day or as a student within our vibrant community.

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taught courses
Academic
Conversion
Professional/vocational

We offer a wide range of taught courses to meet

your academic and professional requirements.
All of our courses, with brief descriptions, are listed
in this guide. Our aim here is to provide a taste of
what’s on offer, but for more in-depth information
about a specific taught course, we suggest that you
contact the person specified or visit our website
www.staffs.ac.uk.
Many of our full-time postgraduate taught course programmes may be studied
on a part-time basis. Distance learning may also be possible for students.

Once on a course, you can also choose how far you want to go. Those courses
leading to MA or MSc give you the option to go for an intermediate award of
postgraduate certificate or diploma, depending on the number of appropriate
modules successfully completed.

Most taught courses combine compulsory elements and electives or options,

dissertation or substantial project is usually required.

Our entry requirement for postgraduate taught courses is usually at least a

second class honours degree (UK), or an appropriate equivalent qualification
(including those gained overseas). We also take into account accreditation
of prior experiential learning (APEL). Previous study or work, community
or volunteer experience can be cited for credit enabling you to achieve
qualifications in a shorter time. By converting informal learning into certificated
learning, APEL provides cost-effective routes to qualifications. It has potential
significance for people who, through life and work experience, have gained
knowledge, skills and analytical abilities that are comparable to those with a
higher education qualification.

For students studying professional courses, the requirements will vary. Please
contact the appropriate Faculty for precise information.

Masters by Negotiated Study

The Masters by Negotiated Study has been specifically designed to meet the
requirement of those wishing to negotiate their own course to meet their own
specific needs or interests. It offers the opportunity for the accreditation of
Continued Professional Development (CPD), including accrediting evidence
of the postgraduate achievement of learning from personal development,
experience, short courses, training and implementation of change, as well as the
flexibility for individual learners to create pathways of study which are different
from those provided by the named courses of the University.

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 Research opportunities
Staffordshire University provides state-of-the-art facilities to support exploration
and experimentation in a dynamic and friendly environment, where you’ll find
support and guidance readily at hand, whenever you feel you need it. Make your
mark and contribute to our international reputation for leading-edge research.

Staffordshire University is committed to postgraduate research because we firmly

believe that work of this nature:

• is a hallmark of University level education

• contributes to the growth of knowledge
• enhances the culture of the University
• improves the quality of teaching and of the learning environment.

research
Choice of subjects Research degrees
Research supervision leading to the What will you gain from a research degree?
award of Master of Philosophy or
Doctor of Philosophy is offered within All Faculties at the University offer opportunities for research to MPhil and PhD
one of the Faculties in the following level. The route to your degree will give you a unique intellectual challenge, an
areas: opportunity to work in-depth on a project which may contribute in a major way
to technical, industrial and commercial progress. If you come from any of these
Art and Design backgrounds, you may discover a neat link between work for your company and
Biology your own personal and professional development.
Business and Management
Communication and Media Studies And what will it take?
Computing and IT
Economics Two years for an MPhil (full-time) and three years for a PhD (full-time).
Education
Engineering A part-time research degree usually means minimum study time of 10 to 15 hours
Environment per week for three years or more. It’s normal for expectations to change and
Forensics develop as the research progresses and students often find they take a bit longer
Geography than the minimum registration time to complete the degree.
Health
History MPhil v PhD
History of Art and Design
Law You can register for a MPhil with the option to
Literature switch to a PhD – many students do this as their projects develop and become
Politics more appropriate for one or the other.
Philosophy
Psychology • MPhil involves development of research skills and an extension of
Sociology existing knowledge.
Social Work • PhD requires in-depth investigation of a topic and an original
Social Policy and Administration contribution to existing knowledge.
Sport, Health and Exercise • Both degrees involve presentation of a thesis and its justification in
Technology an oral examination.
• Training in research methods is a required element of study at these
levels and your application must outline how you have covered or will
cover this requirement in a way which is appropriate to the academic
discipline of your research proposal.

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 Enrolment

Although most students start their programme of research in September/

October, you can enroll as a MPhil or PhD student any time during the academic
year. You then have about six months to prepare an outline of your research
programme, with your supervisors and then submit it as a formal application for
the relevant degree.

Training and induction

During your initial period of study, you will be offered an introduction to the
Faculty in which you will be working and to the University as a whole, including its
facilities.

As an integral part of your programme of study, you will be required to complete

the Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods. This 60 credit course is
mandatory and must be completed before the viva voce examination.

The major aims of the programme are to:

• support the development of a network of researchers across the University

• provide access to knowledge and skills directly supportive of your work
• help you to locate your work within different traditions and forms of enquiry
• support the development of your skills as a researcher and understanding of
the research process
• help you to find different ways of looking at your own work.

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 Supervision

Two or more personal supervisors will be allocated to you during your study
for MPhil or PhD degrees. They will help you to formulate your research topic
and monitor your progress. But the rest is up to you – you’ll need persistence,
determination and motivation to succeed. You’ll need to come up with the ideas,
take the initiative, immerse yourself in your own original research and present
your conclusions from the body of research, if you are to attain the qualification
you want.

How to apply

In the first instance you should contact the Faculty which includes the discipline
closest to your area of interest and talk to them about your project idea. If the
University does have supervisors with expertise in your chosen field, you should
return your application form directly to the Faculty’s admissions team.

Your application will be assessed first of all on how well your qualifications fit with
your proposed research project. We’ll also consider whether we have the facilities
to support it adequately and how feasible it appears to be in terms of timescale
and projected outcomes. You will normally be invited for interview before a final
decision is made.

For information on subject areas, contact the Faculty directly or view their home
page on the Internet: www.staffs.ac.uk

PhD by published work

This is the route for researchers and authors to attain academic recognition for
their research skills, subject expertise and published output, without completing a
postgraduate research degree.

It means submitting a body of work for assessment which represents a coherent

research programme, offers an original contribution to knowledge and
demonstrates an understanding of research methodology appropriate to the
subject area. It can consist of papers, chapters, monographs, books, scholarly
editions of texts and enduring records of creative work.

The work is prepared for assessment with guidance from an academic advisor or
mentor on the University’s staff. It should be ready for assessment no later than 18
months after registration and the assessment process will include a viva.

Attendance

Requirements can vary and both MPhil and PhD students can very often negotiate
individual patterns of attendance and study.

Off-campus research degrees

Staffordshire University also offers off-campus research degrees. ‘Partial residence’

or ‘split’ PhDs are increasingly popular with overseas students who cannot come to
the UK to study on a full-time basis.

Staffordshire University works hard to ensure that it has a strong relationship with
those studying its research degrees overseas, just as it does with those who are
resident in the UK.

For further information about research degrees, contact:

The appropriate Faculty Office
or
The Higher Education Shop
Information Centre (Flaxman Building)
Staffordshire University
College Road
Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DE
t: 01782 292746
e: heshop@staffs.ac.uk

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 Fees
Fees may be subject to change, please refer to the separate fee information leaflet
for up-to-date details.

Research culture
Across Faculties, Staffordshire University staff are actively engaged in cutting edge
and applied research. To keep up-to-date with developments visit www.staffs.ac.uk

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resources
and
support
Information services
The Library, IT and Learning Support facilities at Staffordshire
University are managed by Information Services.
We offer professional, integrated study and learning
environments at four main libraries and three main IT
Learning Centres. Clusters of PCs are also located within
libraries. These facilities are designed to help you make the
most of your valuable study time by providing you with access
to the information you need.
Our Learning Support Help Desks have expert staff to assist
you throughout the day and at weekends.
What Information Services offers
Easy-access, high-spec resources:
• learning texts, including a short loan collection
and e-books
• journals, including electronic journals
• databases
• black and white and colour photocopiers
• AV equipment for loan, including laptop computers
and digital cameras
• over 1,200 high spec computers, many less than three
years old
• high speed Internet access from all PCs
• comprehensive software on all computers
Discover what we offer at:
www.staffs.ac.uk/images/introduction_pg_tcm68-16679.pdf
Fast, efficient service
• self-service issue machines and renewal facilities
• advice and support in person at help desks, over the
phone or via the web
through our off campus service, available 24 hours a day
• fully-staffed information service points for Lending
Services and Learning Support
• extensive opening hours, giving you access to facilities
at weekends and evenings, with libraries open until 3am
during term time.
Working environments
• flexible study space, including group discussion,
individual spaces and silent study areas
• network connection points allowing you to connect your
own laptop to the University network
• open access computer areas, plus teaching rooms within
all main IT centres
Find out more
Our comprehensive web pages have additional information
about our facilities and services, as well as access to the
library catalogue, electronic journals, user guides, information
leaflets and lots more.
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 at your
service
Accommodation
Staffordshire University prioritises the need for high quality, secure and affordable
accommodation for its students. Full details of campus accommodation and private
landlords can be obtained from our dedicated accommodation offices on each
campus:

Stoke campus
t: 01782 294218
e: accommodation_stoke@staffs.ac.uk

Stafford campus
t: 01785 353592
e: accommodation_stafford@staffs.ac.uk

Students with disabilities can obtain more detailed information about our specially
adapted rooms, please contact:

Disability Advisory Service

t: 01782 295822

The Students’ Union

The Students’ Union provides a variety of services – from free and independent
welfare, educational and financial advice to commercial services such as venues and
shops. All of these services are available to you as a postgraduate student.

The Union has a democratic structure that allows any student to become involved
in its running. Every year there is a series of elections and referenda allowing you
to run for office or choose student members to run your Union and decide which
policies to adopt.

For information regarding the Students’ Union please visit www.staffsunion.com

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 Student Advice centre

The Students’ Union Student Advice Centre provides up-to-date information on a wide range of
subjects including grants, loans, benefits, housing, course regulations and any legal matters. There
are trained advisers to deal with your needs and they will always point you in the right direction
to ensure your individual case is dealt with appropriately. Advice is given free of charge and is
completely confidential.

There are centres on both the Stoke and Stafford campuses, which are open weekdays. You can
contact advisers on the following numbers:

Stoke campus t: 01782 294629

Stafford campus t: 01785 353311

Counselling service

Studying and coping with the demands of your personal life can prove a difficult balancing act at
times. Although you will receive support from tutors and other students, there may be times when
things still seem difficult. For just such reasons, the University’s Counselling Service provides a
confidential setting in which you can talk about these difficulties with someone who is independent.

Stoke campus t: 01782 294977

Stafford campus t: 01785 353302

Our childcare service

Our childcare service provides quality affordable childcare on the Stoke and Stafford campuses.
Both nurseries provide care for children from birth to five years and are registered with OFSTED
complying with the National Care Standards.

Funding is available to aid students with childcare fees and extra funding is available for 3 - 5 year
olds. Please put your child’s name down as early as possible as both nurseries operate a waiting list.

t: 01782 294981

Multi-faith Chaplaincy

There is a Chaplaincy on both the Stoke and Stafford campuses. They offer spiritual support and
friendship to students of all faiths and none. They're happy to listen and encourage you to tread
the path that you choose.

Stoke campus t: 01782 294974

Stafford campus t: 01785 353382

Careers

Careers and Employability Service

Whether you already have a career or not, our Careers and Employability Service at both Stoke and
Stafford can offer you help with all the aspects of career development.

Careers Advisers are available for individual consultations on all aspects of career choice and job
search including CVs, application forms and interview techniques. The Careers and Employability
Service can be contacted on:

Stoke campus t: 01782 294991

Stafford campus t: 01785 353233

So you can get your work, life, study balance just

right with the help from the facilities we offer
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Students with disabilities

Our Disability Advisory Service

Staff within the Disability Advisory Service are available to give advice and
information on accessibility and support issues. It is important for any student
who is disabled or who may require additional support to make contact with the
University well before enrolment so that we can give the best possible help and
advice.

For further details, please contact:

t: 01782 294977

Learning facilities

Facilities for students with disabilities are both practical and hi-tech. All sites have
good access and we now have voice-activated PCs and software to help dyslexic
students. Our staff will be on hand to help you with your requirements. For more
information, please contact:

t: 01782 294369
e: llrs@staffs.ac.uk
www.staffs.ac.uk/services/library_and_info/

Disabled Students Allowances (DSAs)

Local Authorities will consider DSAs to full or part-time students who can show
that they have a disability or medical condition which affects their ability to study.
The amount of allowance payable is not affected by your family income. To apply,
please contact your Local Authority in writing.

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 As a county, Staffordshire is an area of
striking contrasts and is steeped in cultural
and industrial heritage...

the
creative
county...

It also boasts some

fantastic bars, clubs,
shops and cinemas and
the UK’s biggest theme
park, Alton Towers. And
whether you prefer to
go on or off campus the
opportunities to relax are
many and varied.

Living in Staffordshire is an experience...

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 There are areas of outstanding natural beauty local to the campuses, including the
Staffordshire Moorlands, the Peak District National Park, Cannock Chase, Chasewater
Country Park and even the Welsh hills are not far away.

The heart of the county ... Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent is a vibrant city and a hub of creative industries. Stoke-on-Trent, or ‘the

Potteries’, is where fine bone china and earthenware has been produced and exported
all over the world since the mid seventeen hundreds. The investment in future business
and leisure in the area is also growing rapidly.

The campus has a community feel to it, everyone walks, as pretty much everything you
need is in walking distance. There is the Ember Lounge on College Road - a great place
to meet and relax with friends and the Leek Road site is LRV (Leek Road Venue), which
hosts fabulous events throughout the year.

At the other end of the scale, if you like to keep fit and healthy, there is the Stanley
Matthews Sports Centre on Leek Road, or Fenton Manor swimming pool and Shapes
Fitness Centre just up the road.

For ultimate convenience, we have our own cinema; the Film Theatre on College Road.
To find out ‘what’s on’, go to the web page via the A-Z index on www.staffs.ac.uk or www.
stokefilmtheatre.ac.uk

South of the county ... Stafford

In the county town, Stafford, visitors and residents can enjoy a mixture of ‘olde worlde’
cobbled back streets, timber framed and stone buildings and an award winning complex
of restaurants, café bars, designer and high street chain shops.

On campus, there is everything you need to enjoy yourself. There are venues for a more
relaxed environment, serving food, drinks and a place to grab a coffee between lectures.

The Stafford site is on the outskirts of town, although the regular number 9 bus service
between the campus and Stafford town centre will transport you to the town in ten
minutes.

In Stafford there is the Apollo Cinema, Gatehouse Theatre and the Superbowl for
entertainment, and an excellent, well equipped sports centre on campus.

Close to the Stafford campus is Shugborough Hall, stately home to the famous
photographer the late Lord Lichfield. Each year Shugborough hosts a fabulous fireworks
display.

Located to the south east of Stafford is Cannock Chase, an area of nearly 3,000 acres of
wild heath and woodlands with remnants of extensive Royal hunting forest. The forest
is one of the oldest national forests and forms a precious wildlife habitat, including the
largest herd of fallow deer in Britain.

The Lichfield Centre

Lichfield is an extremely beautiful cathedral city. The Lichfield Centre (the third University
campus) is a unique partnership between Staffordshire University and Tamworth and
Lichfield College, which provides a range of educational opportunities.

Lichfield has a large amount of parks and pools through the very heart of the City, and
Beacon Park now extends over 78 acres out to the Western Bypass and includes a Par 3
(18 hole) Pitch and Putt Course, 9 football pitches, tennis courts, bowling greens, crazy
golf and a large children’s play area. Pool Walk forms a secluded garden area with views
across the water to the Cathedral.

and a fantastic county in which to study.

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 funding
your
study

Cost of study Payment by Instalments

Fees may be subject to change, please refer to the separate There are two ways to pay tuition fees, either in three
fee information leaflet for up-to-date details. instalments - the first when you enrol, with further payments
at the beginning of the spring and summer terms - or by
monthly direct debit.

Financial Services
Beaconside
Stafford ST18 OAD
t: 01785 353614

Access to Learning Funds

As a home postgraduate student, you may be eligible for

financial assistance depending on your circumstances and
the amount of study you are undertaking within the academic
year. Guidance notes and application forms will be available
from our Information Centres and the Students’ Union
Student Advice Centres.

Student Finance Manager

Information Centre
Staffordshire University
College Road
Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DE
t: 01782 295756

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Postgraduate Bursaries • Income Support
• Job Seekers’ Allowance
Students on taught postgraduate courses, who are not in • Housing Benefit
receipt of a bursary or sponsorship from any institution or • Long-term incapacity benefit
organisation, may be eligible for an Access to Learning Fund • Council tax benefit
Bursary. • State retirement pension
• State widow’s pension
Student Finance Manager
Information Centre If none of the above applies, but you are suffering financial
Staffordshire University hardship, you can apply to the University for a reduction in
College Road your tuition fees. However, all students are required to pay any
Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DE registration fees or residential charges associated with
t: 01782 295756 their course.

Sponsorship Information Centre

Staffordshire University
If you are considering a course for professional development, College Road
you may find that your employer will pay some or all of your Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DE
fees for you. Please note Financial Services do not allow t: 01782 292719
employers to pay tuition fees by instalments.
Sources of Financial Support
Staffordshire University Alumni
This list includes all the bodies that may provide external
If you are a graduate of Staffordshire University and are funding to support you:
considering returning to the University to undertake a
postgraduate course in 2007, you may be eligible for Medical Research Council (MRC)
a 15% reduction in your tuition fees. Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
The Higher Education Shop (BBSRC)
Information Centre (Flaxman Building) Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
Staffordshire University Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
College Road The Arts and Humanities Research Board (British Academy)
Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DE Department for Education and Skills (DfES)
t: 01782 292746 Local Authorities
e: heshop@staffs.ac.uk Career Development Loans (CDLs)
European Social Fund (ESF)
Career Development Loans Industrial sponsorship
Trusts and charitable foundations
Career Development Loans (CDLs) are available to both Overseas Research Students’ Award Scheme
employed and unemployed people. They operate through The British Council
a partnership between the Learning and Skills Council and Commonwealth Scholarships
three major banks - Barclays, the Co-operative and the DFID Shared Scholarship Scheme
Royal Bank of Scotland. World University Service Campus Scholarship Scheme

The loans provide help to pay for training on any vocational
course lasting for up to two years (or for two years of a longer
course). You may borrow between £300 and £8,000 to cover
up to 80% of your course fees plus the full cost of books,
materials and other related expenses including travel and
childcare. If you have been unemployed for three months or
longer, 100% of the course fees may be covered.
The Learning and Skills Council will pay the interest on the
loan for the period of your course, plus one additional month.
At the end of that period, repayments are agreed with the
participating bank.
For further information, please visit the following website:
www.direct.gov.uk/cdl
Fee remission
Part-time employment
Staffordshire University appreciates that students studying
on postgraduate courses will usually need to supplement
any funding, sponsorship or loans with funds earned through
working.
Working with The WorkBank
We work with The WorkBank, an external commercial
company which helps students to find work (either casual,
part-time or after graduation) and protects students from
poor pay or exploitative hours.
It also works with the Careers and Employability Service
on skills initiatives and can help you with applications and
promoting the skills that you have developed.

Students on part-time postgraduate courses are eligible for t: 01782 294861

50% remission of tuition fees if they are in receipt of one or www.theworkbank.co.uk
more of the following benefits:

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 international
students
students
22
Support

Our international students bring ideas and experiences that enrich the academic and social life of the
University, adding to the cultural diversity of the local community.

Being away from home, we understand that you may require raised levels of support. For international students
Staffordshire University offers:

• guaranteed University accommodation in your first year of study

• English Language tuition at our English Language Centre
• international student societies
• advice on academic, financial and personal matters at our Students’ Union run advice centres
• free Meet and Greet arrival service from Heathrow Airport on a specified date
• International Welcome Week activities
• a safe study environment

For further details or an International prospectus contact the International office:

t: +44 1782 292720
e: international@staffs.ac.uk

Each year representatives from Staffordshire University attend education exhibitions overseas and undertake
counselling tours with partners and agents, giving you an opportunity to meet members of staff, find out more
about our courses and to receive one-to-one advice about studying with us in the UK.

We visit China, Greece, Singapore, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Oman, UAE, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The University
also has a wide range of links with institutions abroad with which it co-operates on student and staff exchanges,
curriculum development, dual awards and research. Please see the website for up-to-date information.

English Language Centre

To meet the demands of our courses, you will need a good command of the English language. To study
on a degree programme, we require that you have a minimum English language qualification of an O level
with grade C or above, an IELTS score of 6.0, a TOEFL score of 550 (213 computer-based) or an equivalent
qualification.

• For students whose IELTS score is 5 or 5.5 we offer, respectively, a five-week and a ten-week English course
in the summer, prior to Semester 1 entry. Successful completion of the course (gaining IELTS 6 or above)
guarantees you entrance onto one of our programmes, subject to your additional qualifications.

In addition, we offer a range of other supplementary English courses at our English Language Centre, including:
• English Improvement Programme
• International Foundation Programme
• English for Academic Purposes
• Advantage Start (three week intensive programme)

For further details, please contact the English Language team:

t: + 44 1782 295728
e: elc@staffs.ac.uk

Fees and funding

Standard tuition fees for international (non-EU) students studying degree awards are subject to change, please
refer to the separate fee information leaflet for up-to-date details. Those studying off-campus research degrees
should contact the relevant Faculty for fee information, and note that financial allowances need to be made for
a possible visit by the Principal Supervisor to you at your home institution.

On top of your tuition fees, we estimate that you will require about £6,000 - £7000 per calendar year to cover
accommodation, food, books, travel and general living expenses.

It is worth noting that the cost of living in Staffordshire, when compared with living costs in other parts of the
UK, is relatively low.

Early payment discounts

As an international student, you are entitled to a £300 Early Payment discount if you pay your annual tuition fee
at or before enrolment.

www.staffs.ac.uk/international

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 how
to
apply
Check individual course entries for details. If you have
any problems finding the information you need, contact
the Higher Education Shop.

24
 When to apply
Our programmes normally start in September,
the sooner you begin the application process
the more time you will have to make a
well-informed decision. However, there’s no
need to wait until September to start your
study, many of our courses run from February at
the beginning of Semester 2.
Check our website for details, or phone us:
t: 0800 801 222
www.staffs.ac.uk
Course start dates
Enrolment usually takes place in the middle
of September. When you apply, you will be
notified of the appropriate time, place and
date of enrolment.
Postgraduate awards
You can apply on-line at
www.staffs.ac.uk/parttimeform
www.staffs.ac.uk/postgradform
Entrance requirements
The normal entrance requirements for taught postgraduate
programmes are:
- An honours degree from a United Kingdom institution of
higher education or overseas equivalent
or
- A postgraduate diploma or post-experience diploma
recognised as being equivalent to an honours degree
or
- Accredited professional or vocational experience in
relevant areas of practice.
We welcome applicants who do not have a first degree but who
have qualifications or experiences which could be accredited
through the University’s Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) or
Accreditation of Experiential Learning (APEL) systems.
If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate
that you are fluent enough to cope with the course. A minimum
score of six in IELTS or 550 (or 213 computer-based) in TOEFL, or the
equivalent, is the normal requirement.
Research degrees
For a research degree, you will normally need a first or second-class
honours degree. However, some of our successful postgraduate
students hold other qualifications, such as graduateships of
professional institutions. You may also be considered for admission if
you have experience which demonstrates that you have appropriate
skills and knowledge at a standard equivalent to first degree level.
Specific or additional entry requirements are detailed in individual
course entries.
You should apply for admission as early as possible before the
date of entry, even if at that stage you have not been awarded your
first degree.
Before submitting an application to enrol for a research degree, you
should normally contact the appropriate Faculty to discuss
your proposal. The Faculty will be able to advise you whether it
has a member of staff with appropriate expertise to supervise your
project.
You should then complete an application form and send it together
with an outline of your proposal direct to the Faculty.
Disabled students
We welcome applications from disabled students. No applicant
judged to be academically suitable will be refused admission on
grounds of disability without compelling reasons. In this context,
‘disability’ should be taken as including any physical or sensory
impairment or health condition, which could make it difficult for you
to complete a course successfully, for example, diabetes or epilepsy.
It is important that you tell us on your application form of any
impairment so that, wherever possible, we can ensure that we
provide the facilities and support you need. Please apply as early as
possible. For an information leaflet or informal discussion, please
contact:
Disability Advisory Service
Staffordshire University
4-5 Winton Square
Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DE
t: 01782 294977
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26
 Where to apply

Law and legal courses Fees

Full-time Common Professional Examination: Fees include tuition or supervision and membership of
CPE Central Applications Board the Students’ Union, except where explicitly stated. Fees
PO Box 84 vary from course to course and are set out in individual
Guildford course entries.
Surrey GU3 1YX
t: 01483 451080 Upon enrolment students holding scholarships or awards
covering payment of fees must produce a letter of authority
Legal Practice course indicating the amounts for which the awarding body will be
LPC Central Applications Board responsible. Normally fees are payable in full at or before
PO Box 84 enrolment for each academic year. However, self-financing
Guildford students may be permitted to pay their fees in up to three
Surrey instalments. Such arrangements can be negotiated at
GU3 1YX enrolment. You will not be allowed to begin classes until
t: 01483 301282 appropriate arrangements have been made for payment
of fees.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education
PGCE Business, Higher Education Shop
PGCE Economics and Business Education, and
PGCE Design and Technology: Our Higher Education Shop is the first port of call for most
course queries and the staff are happy to help with any
Graduate Teacher Training Registry enquiries regarding finance, childcare, or studying in general.
Rosehill If they can’t help you themselves, they will certainly put you
New Barn Lane Cheltenham in touch with someone who can.
Gloucestershire
GL52 3LZ For general enquiries concerning admission to part-time and
full-time postgraduate programmes, please contact:
All other taught courses
The Higher Education Shop
Applications should be made direct to the University for Flaxman building
part-time study on any of the above courses and for all other Staffordshire University
postgraduate taught courses. College Road
Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DE
An on-line application form is available at www.staffs.ac.uk/ t: 01782 292746
postgradform or www.staffs.ac.uk/parttimeform e: heshop@staffs.ac.uk

Alternatively you can obtain a form from our Open all year round (including academic holidays).
Admissions Office Monday to Thursday, from 9am - 5pm
t: 01782 292753 Friday, 9am - 4.30pm

Apply as early as you can before the date of entry, even if you
have not yet been awarded your first degree. Contact the
Admissions Office if you have any queries. You will receive
details of any conditions, fees involved and the start date for
your course.
Regulations
As a student attending a course or undertaking research at
Staffordshire University, you must enrol and re-enrol each
academic year. You are admitted subject to the requirement
that you will comply with the enrolment procedures and the
regulations of the University. The regulations provide details
of your rights as well as the rules. For more details visit our
website www.staffs.ac.uk
Open Days/Evenings
An Open Day or Evening is the ideal way to see for yourself
what studying at Staffordshire University will be like. It’s an
invaluable way of making sure you have chosen the right
course for you. Course tutors and current students will be on
hand to answer any questions. Plus, you can find out more
about our facilities and services.
For open evenings contact the HE Shop on 01782 292746 for
details. Individual Faculties also hold their own open events,
which can give you further insight into a particular academic
area – details are available from Faculty Offices.

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